The more we study mushrooms, the more amazing they become. Mycologists are now finding that such humble varieties as oyster mushrooms and garden giant mushrooms are capable of everything from cleaning up oil spills to filtering wastewater to possibly even decontaminating the area surrounding Fukushima. And they can do wonders for our health, too.

Mushrooms contain a host of proven disease-fighting chemicals, like polysaccharides, glycoproteins, ergosterols, and triterpenoids, in addition to antimicrobial and antiviral compounds. Some of the best mushrooms with strong medicinal qualities are shiitake, maitake, enoki, and cordyceps. Shiitakes encourage body tissues to absorb cholesterol and lower the amount circulating in the blood, and are also seen as helping to prevent cancer. Maitakes are also anticancer, have immune-boosting effects, and may help control both high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Enoki are generally great for the immune system. And Cordyceps, often sold dried or in tea form, are believed to be a general tonic for good health.

Mushrooms also have the ability to make vitamin D if you let them sit out in the sun for a few hours before consuming them. Given how few foods contain this essential vitamin, this is great news.

So slice up some shiitakes as part of a side dish. Throw maitake or enoki mushrooms into a stir-fry. Or cook up a mushroom barley soup. It doesn’t matter how you make them—just eat more mushrooms!